Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

Name: Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup raspberry jam; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies, especially around special occasions like Valentine's Day. The buttery, almond-infused dough paired with the sweet, tart raspberry filling creates a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. As I roll out the dough and cut out the heart shapes, I can't help but feel excited about the joy these cookies bring to family and friends. Plus, the dusting of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch that makes them perfect for dessert platters.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:46:13.464Z

When I first made Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies, I was amazed at how easy and delicious they turned out. The secret lies in the almond flour, which gives the cookies a wonderful nutty flavor and perfectly tender texture. I also learned the importance of chilling the dough before rolling it out; it keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps maintain their shape.

As I assembled the cookies, I opted for raspberry jam because its tartness beautifully complements the sweetness of the cookie. I love that these treats are visually striking and make a heartfelt gift for loved ones. Making them together with my kids is now a cherished family tradition!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Buttery texture that melts in your mouth
Elegant heart shape perfect for gifting
Sweet and tart raspberry filling for a delightful contrast

      

Understanding the Dough

The dough for Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies is a vital part of the recipe, contributing both texture and flavor. The combination of all-purpose and almond flour creates a tender and crumbly texture, with almond flour enhancing the nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the raspberry filling. It's essential to use softened butter, as it allows for better incorporation of air during creaming, giving the cookies a light and fluffy quality. If your butter is too cold, the dough may end up being dense and difficult to work with.

Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This resting period not only makes the dough easier to handle but also helps the flavors to meld together. If you find the dough is still too sticky after chilling, consider lightly flouring your work surface and rolling pin. It’s a small but crucial step that prevents tearing while cutting out the cookies and ensures their heart shapes are maintained during baking.

Filling and Assembly Secrets

For the raspberry filling, using high-quality seedless jam will yield the best results. Seedless jam ensures a smooth texture that complements the delicate cookies without being overwhelming. The sweet and tart balance of raspberry is traditional for Linzer cookies, but you can experiment with other flavors, like apricot or strawberry, for a unique twist. If you prefer a fresher taste, you can make your own fruit preserves using fresh raspberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, cooking until thickened.

When assembling the cookies, take care not to overload the base cookie with jam. A teaspoon per cookie is typically adequate; excess jam can oozes out when you place the top cookie on, making them messy and difficult to handle. Dusting with powdered sugar just before serving not only adds elegance but also provides a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the tart raspberry filling. Remember to dust them right before serving to maintain a pristine look.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make these delicious cookies:

For the cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling and decoration

3/4 cup raspberry jam
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to use high-quality raspberry jam for the best flavor!

Instructions

Let's get started on making these delightful cookies:

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt until a dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies; remember to cut out the centers of half of the cookies to create the tops.

Bake the cookies

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Assemble and decorate

Spread a teaspoon of raspberry jam on the bottom of each whole cookie. Place the cut-out cookie on top and dust with powdered sugar to finish. Enjoy your beautiful Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies!

These cookies make excellent gifts or lovely treats for your next gathering!

Pro Tips

Chill the cookies before baking to help them maintain their shape and to ensure even baking. Try using different flavored jams for a twist on the classic recipe.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties or gifting. Once assembled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The cookies will soften slightly due to the jam, which is part of their charm. Alternatively, if you want to keep them crisp, store the cookies and jam separately and assemble them just before serving.

If you're looking to freeze them, freeze the baked and cooled cookies before assembly. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and assemble with the jam.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common challenge with Linzer cookies is achieving the perfect bake. If you notice the edges turning too dark, it may be a sign of an overly hot oven. An oven thermometer can help ensure your temperature is accurate; consider adjusting it down by 25 degrees and keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. They’re done when the edges are just lightly golden, providing a tender bite rather than a crunchy texture.

In the event your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to softened butter that was too warm before mixing. Always ensure your butter is softened at room temperature, not melted. If you encounter this issue, chill the dough a bit longer before rolling it out as a quick fix to minimize spreading.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookies. Just ensure they are well-wrapped and use them within three months for the best quality.

→ What other flavor extracts can I use?

You can use almond extract for a stronger flavor, or citrus extracts like lemon or orange for a refreshing twist!